Kochi: A sudden downpour triggered a tragic stampede at a Kerala campus festival, resulting in the death of four students and leaving over 50 injured, according to police reports. The incident occurred just before singer Nikhita Gandhi's performance at the open-air auditorium of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
Civic authorities and police revealed that a single gate was utilized for both entry and exit to the auditorium. The organizers, allowing entry in batches to pass holders, faced a long queue of enthusiastic youngsters outside the entry point. An eyewitness disclosed that although the concert was restricted to pass holders, numerous local residents had gathered outside the auditorium.
Senior police officer MR Ajith Kumar noted that the auditorium had a capacity of at least 1,000, with many seats vacant at the time of the stampede. He explained, "When the incident took place, the program had not started. The auditorium was not full. Organizers were checking passes and allowing entry in batches. Suddenly it started raining, people broke queues and started pushing to get in." Kumar emphasized that the auditorium's capacity should have prevented such an incident. He attributed the tragedy to the sudden rush and push during the rain, resulting in a "freak accident."
Additional sources suggested that the organizers' announcement prioritizing entry for engineering students also played a role. "The students of other streams were restless and eagerly waiting for their turn. When the rain started, they saw an opportunity to jump the queue and rushed in," a source stated. An inspection by media revealed steep steps near the open-air auditorium, potentially contributing to students losing balance as they hurriedly entered. Municipal Councillor Pramod highlighted the use of a single gate for entry and exit as another contributing factor to the incident.
The deceased students were identified as Athul Thambi, Ann Ruftha, Sara Thomas, and Alwin Thaikattusherry, with two of the injured reported in critical condition. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired an emergency meeting, and ministers expressed condolences, with Health Minister Veena George coordinating necessary steps for treatment.
In response to the tragedy, events related to Nava Kerala Sadas, an outreach program of the ruling CPM, were canceled. Singer Nikhita Gandhi conveyed her condolences, expressing profound grief and offering prayers for the affected families in a social media post.
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